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Hog-peanut

Amphicarpaea bracteata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Hog-peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata)
Photo: (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Norton

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–60" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Hog-peanut is a native annual vine that climbs or trails along the ground, reaching up to 5 feet in length. It produces small purple flowers from July through September and creates underground seeds in addition to regular seed pods. This delicate vine works well as a groundcover or climbing support for other plants.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hog-peanut takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Vine growth habit appears uncontrolled
  • Dies back completely as annual
  • Can look weedy or unkempt without support structure

Wildlife value

The purple flowers attract bees and butterflies during late summer blooming. The underground nuts provide food for small mammals and ground-dwelling wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Hog-peanut need?
Hog-peanut grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Hog-peanut bloom?
Hog-peanut blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Hog-peanut native?
Hog-peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hog-peanut attract?
Hog-peanut draws bees and butterflies.
Is Hog-peanut HOA-friendly?
Hog-peanut takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Hog-peanut? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz